MIDLAND, MI – The University of the Aftermarket will offer two new three-hour business workshops on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. The new workshops – “Improving Sales Proficiency” and “Fact-Based Marketing/Category Management” – will enable aftermarket professionals to enhance their competitive skills and earn continuing education units (CEU) in conjunction with the 2007 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), which opens Tuesday, Oct. 30.

“Improving Sales Proficiency,” which takes place from 9 am to noon on Oct. 29, is designed for aftermarket professionals with responsibility for sales growth, margin retention, customer acquisition and overall customer satisfaction. The course will help participants learn how to track proficiency rather than “sales performance” in making sure that their employees, service groups and channel partners properly sell, support and service specific product lines. This workshop will be led by Tom Easton, AAP, senior partner of the Essential Action Design Group.

“Fact-Based Marketing/Category Management,” slated for 1 to 4 pm on Oct. 29, will help prepare manufacturers, distributor buyers and sales agency professionals to more effectively address the changing needs of today’s service dealers and consumers. Led by Jon Rubich, vice president of marketing services and category management for United Components, Inc. and chairman of the AAIA Category Management Committee, this workshop will cover common category management pitfalls in today’s aftermarket as well as best practices from outside the industry.

Tuition for each workshop is $149 for professionals who have earned an AAP or MAAP designation and $199 for all other participants. Each course offers .4 CEUs.

For more information or to register for one or both workshops, please visit www.northwood.edu/aftermarket, or call 1-800-551-2882.